He chuckles. "Oui, Belle is as practical as ever in financial matters. The two weakest of my flock are out of her reach."

If Musette had arrived when expected, Asher would be managing Danse Macabre and Hannah would be running Cerulean Sins. The adult store was not scheduled to open for two more months, however, so he could not justify the transfer of management so soon without leaving Hannah vulnerable.